Dove Holistic Dental Centre
Bognor Regis United Kingdom
At our dental practice, we believe in a holistic approach to healthcare that includes sustainability. Our goal is to promote long-term oral health for our patients while being mindful of our environmental impact. That's why we've designed and built our practice with sustainability in mind. From our use of renewable energy sources to our choice of eco-friendly paint for our walls, every aspect of our practice reflects our commitment to being environmentally responsible. We are proud to be part of the Greener Dentistry certification program.
Environmental & Social Impact Performance
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Social Responsibility
A Data Security Policy exists to safeguard patient information.
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Complaints or concerns are dealt with ethically.
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Income taxes are paid promptly.
The practice does not use aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
The practice owners do not invest in organisations whose policies, actions, advocacy, products or services undermine progress toward UN Sustainability Goals.
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Team Well-Being
There is a strict no-smoking in the workplace policy.
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A Health and safety risk assessment has been completed.
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Policies, practices and protocols that support a safe and healthy workplace are implemented.
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Policies and practices that support mental well-being, including a zero-tolerance policy regarding workplace bullying and harassment, are in place.
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Employees can access break-out rooms and healthy eating options within a reasonable distance.
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Employees receive sick pay in compliance with widely adopted minimum standards.
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Employees receive maternity/ paternity leave in compliance with widely adopted minimum standards.
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All team members are paid at least a living wage.
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No child or forced labour is used (we adhere to the minimum working age defined by ILO Convention no. 138.2).
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National labour laws or widely adopted minimum standards regarding work hours, overtime compensation, and contract hours have been adopted.
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Employees are paid holiday leave in compliance with widely adopted minimum standards.
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An employee concerns/complaints process is in place that is accessible to all employees.
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Internal and external sources provide annual education, training and development.
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A fully funded defined-benefits pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan is available to all employees.
All employees have the right to form and join trade unions of their choice (or to choose not to) and the right to bargain collectively.
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Energy Use
Seeking to purchase renewable energy is aligned with current energy procurement and sustainability policy.
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Renewable energy is generated on-site by means of photovoltaic panels or wind turbines.
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All electricity is purchased from a renewable energy provider.
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Thermostatic radiator valves are fitted to each radiator and adjusted for comfort.
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A programmable thermostat and timer automatically adjust the temperature based on occupancy and preferences.
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Systems are in place that monitor and record the energy consumed.
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Computers and peripherals are switched off at the end of the day.
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All TVs and non-essential electrical items are turned off at the end of the day and not put on standby.
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Chargers (phone etc.) are turned off at the mains supply when not in use.
All regular light bulbs have been replaced with LED bulbs.
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Motion sensor switches to light up infrequently used rooms have been fitted.
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Energy-efficient cool air hand dryers are installed.
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All white good kitchen appliances are energy-efficient.
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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in Non-Clinical Areas
Patient management software is used instead of paper options.
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Text and email reminders are sent out to patients.
A5 paper is used for printing where practicable, e.g. for prescriptions.
Paper waste is used for scrap paper etc.
The practice has requested out of receiving all unnecessary mail.
Medical histories are collected in an electronic format.
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Treatment plans are offered, and consent is recorded electronically instead of on paper.
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Paper Use Reduction and Reduce Paper Wastage policies are in place.
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Only certified recycled paper is used for all paper products.
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Duplex printing is carried out.
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Documents and post memos are circulated rather than distributing individual copies to team members.
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Used toner/print cartridges are recycled.
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Print margins and line spacing are set to be as small as possible (while still being clear enough to read).
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A recycling point is available for patients to dispose of their used toothbrushes, interdental aids, spent toothpaste tubes etc.
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The practice declines toothpaste samples from manufacturers.
Patients are offered compostable toothbrushes to buy.
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Stock orders are consolidated when possible to reduce shipping waste and the total number of deliveries.
Recycling bins are optimally placed to encourage team and patient participation in effective recycling.
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Patients in the patient lounge are offered an alternative to plastic and styrofoam cups.
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Rechargeable batteries are used in place of disposable batteries.
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Batteries, light bulbs, and electronics are disposed of correctly.
All superseded equipment is either donated to emerging economies or sold.
Only enviro-safe and biodegradable cleaning agents are used.
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A compost bin is available for the team to place waste food in.
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Energy-efficient white goods are fitted.
Recycling bins available are available and optimally placed.
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Aerators fitted to taps to reduce water waste.
Eco-friendly hand dryers are installed.
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Eco-friendly cleaning products are used.
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Dual flush cisterns are fitted to toilets.
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Motion-sensor with LED lighting is installed.
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Eco-friendly disinfecting agents are used.
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Eco-friendly, non-aerosol air fresheners are used.
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A sign is placed over the sinks to remind patients to turn off the water tap while cleaning their teeth.
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Aerators fitted to taps to reduce water waste.
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Eco-friendly toilet paper is used.
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Travel
Patient recall intervals are based on individual disease risk assessment.
Patient appointments are consolidated as much as possible to reduce their travel carbon footprint.
Advice offered over the phone to patients when feasible to reduce unnecessary travel.
Secure cycle racks are fitted to encourage patients to cycle the practice.
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Inside the Surgery/Operatory
Clinical areas are zoned to simplify the decontamination process and reduce the amount of chemical disinfectant required.
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Environmentally friendly and non-toxic disinfecting products are used.
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Autoclaves are serviced and calibrated per the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal efficiency.
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Autoclaves are filled to process instruments optimally and avoid unnecessary cycles.
Only difficult-to-clean areas are covered with plastic barriers.
Eco-friendly, efficient reverse osmosis machines are used to generate water free of dissolved salts.
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Dry tissue is used with a disinfectant spray instead of wet wipes.
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Washer disinfectors are only used when full.
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Autoclave energy efficiency and its suitability for practice size are considered during procurement.
Autoclavable three-in-one tips are used in place of single-use tips.
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Autoclavable or environmentally friendly aspirator tips are used.
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Autoclavable dappens dishes are utilised instead of single-use plastic.
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Autoclavable impression trays are used rather than single-use plastic trays.
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Single-use cups are supplied for rinsing when required and are not offered routinely, or autoclavable tumblers are used instead.
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Clinical software is used instead of paper case-note files.
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Washable surgical gowns are used instead of disposable gowns.
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Intra-oral scanning is used where possible over traditional impression techniques.
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A First-In-First-Out (FIFO) stock rotation system is used materials with the furthest expiry dates are placed behind those with a closer expiry date.
Aerators fitted to taps to reduce water waste.
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Sedation and general anaesthetic are offered as last resort in managing anxious patients.
Digital radiography is in operation (thereby reducing radiation dose and eliminating chemical processing agents).
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Clinicians use minimally invasive tissue-preserving techniques when surgical intervention is required when managing caries lesions.
The link between periodontal disease and systemic disease is discussed with patients to help reduce the overall burden on healthcare systems and concomitantly on the environment.
Prevention is acknowledged as the gold standard of sustainable oral healthcare.
Dental amalgam, if used, is dispensed from pre-dosed capsules.
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We are an amalgam-free dental practice.
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Amalgam separators are fitted to dental suction units utilised in amalgam fillings removal.
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A licensed waste management company collects and manages all dental amalgam waste.
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Surgery bins are labelled "Clinical waste" and "Domestic waste" for correct collection, disposal or recycling.
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X-ray fixer and developer are disposed of according to manufacturers instructions and not mixed together.
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Unused X-ray films are collected by a certified waste carrier for recycling.
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Waste X-ray fixer is collected by a certified carrier and processed by a licensed hazardous waste disposal company.
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Lead foil from the (X-ray) film packet is separated and processed for recycling.
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Chromium-free cleaners for X-ray developer systems are used.
All non-contaminated packaging is recycled.
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Dental Premises
Double or secondary glazing is present to minimise heat loss through windows.
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All windows and doors provide a tight seal or are draught-proof.
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Sustainable or recycled materials are considered for building upgrades or renovations.
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Measures are in place to minimise heat loss through walls (cavity wall insulation, external or internal insulation).
Measures are in place to reduce heat loss through the roof.
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Raising Awareness
A Sustainability Champion has been appointed.
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The practice's commitment to sustainability is displayed on the practice website, posters, patient information leaflets, etc.
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Information on sustainability is made available in the patient lounge to increase patient awareness.
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Sustainability and team input on the environmental impact of the practice is allowed time for discussion during practice meetings.
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Greener Practice Plan
Not devised yet